WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 â Saudi Arabia has told the Bush administration that it might provide financial backing to Iraqi Sunnis in any war against Iraqâs Shiites if the United States pulls its troops out of Iraq, according to American and Arab diplomats.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia conveyed that message to Vice President Dick Cheney two weeks ago during Mr. Cheneyâs whirlwind visit to Riyadh, the officials said. During the visit, King Abdullah also expressed strong opposition to diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran, and pushed for Washington to encourage the resumption of peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, senior Bush administration officials said.

The Saudi warning reflects fears among Americaâs Sunni Arab allies about Iranâs rising influence in Iraq, coupled with Tehranâs nuclear ambitions. King Abdullah II of Jordan has also expressed concern about rising Shiite influence, and about the prospect that the Shiite-dominated government would use Iraqi troops against the Sunni population.

The Saudis have argued strenuously against an American pullout from Iraq, citing fears that Iraqâs minority Sunni Arab population would be massacred. Those fears, United States officials said, have become more pronounced as a growing chorus in Washington has advocated a draw-down of American troops in Iraq, coupled with diplomatic outreach to Iran, which is largely Shiite.

Until now Saudi officials have promised their counterparts in the United States that they would refrain from aiding Iraqâs Sunni insurgency. But that pledge holds only as long as the United States remains in Iraq.

The Saudis have been wary of supporting Sunnis in Iraq because their insurgency there has been led by extremists of Al Qaeda, who are opposed to the kingdomâs monarchy. But if Iraqâs sectarian war worsened, the Saudis would line up with Sunni tribal leaders....
... âone of the first consequencesâ of an American pullout of Iraq would âbe massive Saudi intervention to stop Iranian-backed Shiite militias from butchering Iraqi Sunnis.â

Saudi Arabia (would) cut world oil prices in half by raising its production, a move that he said âwould be devastating to Iran, which is facing economic difficulties even with todayâs high oil prices.â

On Monday a group of prominent Saudi clerics called on Sunni Muslims around the world to mobilize against Shiites in Iraq. The statement called the âmurder, torture and displacement of Sunnisâ an âoutrage.â

If as it looks likely, we (the allies) pull out Eyerack before the Army and Police are ready and able (and some would say willing) to maintain peace and stability, then civil war (between the islamic factions, rather than between Iraqis) is a serious possibility.

Are we looking at the possibility of the formation of two alternative islamic blocs in the midlle east?

If as it looks likely, we (the allies) pull out Eyerack before the Army and Police are ready and able (and some would say willing) to maintain peace and stability, then civil war (between the islamic factions, rather than between Iraqis) is a serious possibility.

Are we looking at the possibility of the formation of two alternative islamic blocs in the midlle east?